Beckham's dad says he's staying put

As the football world wondered whether David Beckham would choose Real Madrid or Barcelona, AC Milan or Inter, his father insisted: "People are making something out of nothing."

Ted Beckham at least seemed to believe that the England captain would stay at his beloved Manchester United despite the Red Devils confirming on Saturday that clubs in Spain and Italy had expressed "a firm interest" in signing him.

It was the first official confirmation that United are willing to sell the iconic 28-year-old for a fee expected to be around £30million, although he has expressed a desire to stay at Old Trafford.

Ted Beckham told the PA News: "He is Man United through and through, he is a Man United fan as well as a player.

"He doesn't want anything else but United. I know that for a fact. All his mates are there. People are making something out of nothing."

United fans indicated they would back manager Sir Alex Ferguson if he sold Beckham.

Mark Longden of the Independent Supporters Association said Sir Alex's track record meant he deserved the fans' trust when it came to transfer dealings.

"I think the fans would back him and the only thing that would annoy them was if the PLC board had a bid and accepted it when the manager did not want to sell him," he said.

"If Fergie thinks it's the right way forward for the club he would have no qualms in selling Beckham."

Meanwhile England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed that Beckham, who is reported to have been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List due to be announced next Saturday, would have stayed in a separate villa if he had attended the recent training camp in La Manga.